AA Promises - 9th Step Promises of Alcoholics Anonymous

AA Promises - 9th Step Promises of Alcoholics Anonymous

What Are the AA Promises?

The AA Promises describe the emotional, mental, and spiritual changes many people experience as they work through the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. They reflect the growth, freedom, and new perspective that can develop through consistent effort in recovery.

Rather than being instant results, the promises represent a gradual transformation - one that includes greater peace, freedom from fear, and a new perspective on life.

Where Do the AA Promises Come From?

The AA Promises are found in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, specifically in Chapter 6, "Into Action." They are presented as outcomes that begin to unfold as individuals commit to the recovery process and continue practicing the principles of the program in daily life.

A Summary of the AA Promises

As people progress in recovery, many report meaningful changes such as:

A growing sense of peace and emotional stability
Relief from regret and less focus on past mistakes
Improved ability to handle difficult situations
Reduced fear and increased confidence
A deeper sense of purpose and connection
Greater intuition and clarity in decision-making
Freedom from compulsive behaviors and harmful patterns

These changes often happen gradually and may look different for each person, but they are widely recognized as part of the recovery journey.

Why the AA Promises Matter

The AA Promises offer hope. They provide a vision of what life can become through sobriety and spiritual growth. For many, they serve as motivation to continue working the steps, especially during challenging times.

They also reinforce an important idea in recovery: that meaningful change is possible, even for those who once felt stuck or overwhelmed.

Living the Promises in Daily Life

Experiencing the AA Promises is not about perfection - it’s about progress. By staying committed to recovery, practicing honesty, and helping others, individuals often begin to notice these changes showing up naturally in their lives.

Over time, what once felt difficult can become more manageable, and what once seemed impossible can start to feel within reach.

What the AA Promises Mean in Recovery

The AA Promises describe the emotional and spiritual changes that often happen as people work the Twelve Steps. These include greater peace, reduced fear, improved relationships, and a new outlook on life.

For many in recovery, these promises are not just words - they become real experiences over time. That’s why they are often read in meetings and kept close as daily reminders.

Many individuals use bookmarks, cards, or posters featuring the AA Promises to keep these messages visible and part of their daily recovery routine.

The AA Promises (Full Text)

From the original Alcoholics Anonymous text

If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are half way through.
We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness.
We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it.
We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace.
No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience can benefit others.
That feeling of uselessness and self-pity will disappear.
We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows.
Self-seeking will slip away.
Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change.
Fear of people and of economic insecurity will leave us.
We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us.
We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.

Are these extravagant promises? We think not. They are being fulfilled among us - sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. They will always materialize if we work for them. Alcoholics Anonymous p83-84 Reprinted from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc.

Many people in recovery also find strength in the Serenity Prayer and the St. Francis Prayer, which are often used alongside the AA Promises in daily reflection.

Shop AA Promises Recovery Products

Carry the message of the AA Promises with you every day. RecoveryShop offers a variety of recovery tools featuring the 9th Step Promises, including bookmarks, verse cards, greeting cards, and meeting posters.

These products make meaningful recovery gifts and practical tools for daily reflection, meetings, sponsorship, and encouragement.

Frequently Asked Questions About the AA Promises

What are the AA Promises?

The AA Promises describe many of the emotional, spiritual, and practical changes people may experience as they work the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. They are often associated with greater peace, freedom from fear, improved relationships, and a new outlook on life.

Where are the AA Promises found in the Big Book?

The AA Promises are found in Chapter 6, "Into Action," in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. They appear in connection with the Ninth Step and are often called the 9th Step Promises.

Are the AA Promises guaranteed?

The AA Promises are not usually understood as instant or automatic results. In recovery, they are often seen as promises that unfold over time as a person continues working the steps, practicing spiritual principles, and staying active in recovery.

Why are the AA Promises important in recovery?

The AA Promises are important because they offer hope and encouragement. They remind people in recovery that change is possible and that sobriety can bring greater peace, usefulness, freedom, and connection.

Where can I find AA Promises cards, bookmarks, and posters?

RecoveryShop offers AA Promises recovery items, including laminated bookmarks, verse cards, greeting cards, and meeting posters. These items can be used for meetings, sponsorship, personal reflection, or recovery gifts.